title: Diverse expression patterns of LIM-homeodomain transcription factors (LIM-HDs) in mammalian inner ear development.
abstract: LIM-homeodomain transcription factors (LIM-HDs) are essential in tissue patterning and differentiation. But their expression patterns in the inner ear are largely unknown. Here we report on a study of twelve LIM-HDs, by their tempo-spatial patterns that imply distinct yet overlapping roles, in the developing mouse inner ear. Expression of Lmx1a and Isl1 begins in the otocyst stage, with Lmx1a exclusively in the non-sensory and Isl1 in the prosensory epithelia. The second wave of expression at E12.5 includes Lhx3, 5, 9, Isl2, and Lmx1b in the differentiating sensory epithelia with cellular specificities. With the exception of Lmx1a and Lhx3, all LIM-HDs are expressed in ganglion neurons. Expression of multiple LIM-HDs within a cell type suggests their redundant function.
authors.affiliation: Eaton-Peabody Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
authors.forename: Mingqian
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Cyrille
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sage
authors.forename: Huawei
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Mengquig
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Xiang
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Heller
authors.forename: Zheng-Yi
authors.initials: ZY
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000502:physiology*; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D051379:Mice; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D018398:Homeodomain Proteins